Green Your Car Wash
Traditional car wash fundraisers can cause water pollution if wash water flows to the storm drain. Water from washing cars not only contains dirt and soap, but also oil, grease, and metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc. Dirty wash water from car wash fundraisers held in parking lots or on the street flows into the storm drains and goes straight to local creeks and the Bay without any treatment.

Water Conservation during Severe DroughtCity Council declared 20 percent water reduction restrictions beginning July 1, 2016 until January 31, 2017. The State Water Board prohibits car washing with a hose, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle. View Water Use Rules

Partner with a Commercial Car Wash
Commercial car washes, including those at gas stations, drain wash water to local wastewater treatment facilities that remove pollutants. Commercial car washes also use water efficient technology, and often recycle the wash water.

Contact local commercial car washes for discounted passes that you can sell at a higher price to raise funds.

Hold the event at a commercial car wash and ask them to donate part of the profits if you help to advertise.

Partner with a self-serve car wash to host the event at their facility and wash cars for tips.

For questions, please call 408-945-3000.

Recycling Collection Fundraisers
There are many organizations that pay schools for collecting printer cartridges, cell phones, small electronics and even juice boxes and snack wrappers. These kinds of fundraisers help reduce waste in the greater community, and encourage families to recycle items they might otherwise throw away. See the Resources List below for a small sample of companies that offer the fundraisers.

ResourcesThere are many companies that offer school fundraising opportunities. This list is not intended to be complete, or an endorsement by the City of San José.

Chinook Book is a one-of-a-kind green resource — an annual guide and coupon book that promotes healthy green living and community vibrancy. Schools can sell Chinook Books as a fundraiser for school projects, trips and activities.For more information, please contact the Community Outreach Manager, Kira Pascoe by email or phone at (510) 550-8280.

The City of San Joséis committed to open and honest government and strives to consistently meet the community’s expectations by providing excellent service, in a positive and timely manner, and in the full view of the public.